While Art Garcia wonders on NBA.com if a Jeff Green-for-Chris Bosh deal makes a lot of sense for both the Raptors and Thunder, Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman thinks there is probably too much risk in trading for Bosh before the deadline.
The organization’s long-term motives have not changed, although Bosh certainly would fit the bill of a player that makes sense both now and in the future.
The problem is, trading for Bosh now doesn’t guarantee he’ll be around in the future. Acquiring Bosh would be a big-time risk that could blow up in July if he decides to bolt for, say, the beaches of Miami or Broadway in New York. The Thunder will have then traded valuable assets for nothing. It’s that risk that partially explains why Phoenix was unable to move Amar’e Stoudemire last season after all the fuss and trade rumors regarding where he’d land.
For the Thunder to pull the trigger on a Bosh trade, especially one that included promising youngster Jeff Green (who is averaging 14.0 points and 5.9 rebounds this season), they would have to feel like they had a great chance to re-sign him this summer. The weather in OKC is not as nice in Miami nor is the city as glitzy as New York (or even Chicago), but if Bosh wants to win, the Thunder are a great fit. Maybe a half season with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would be enough to convince him to re-sign, but what if it wasn’t? Then they would have lost Green and have nothing to show for it.
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Why is it whenever a Bosh deal is rumoured… nobody ever considers if its in the Raptors best interest? The other team is considered. Bosh is considered… but the Raps organization.. never.
Even if Bosh does leave Toronto.. its going to be in a sign and trade. Plus there is always the possibility that he doesn’t leave Toronto.. which apparently seems like an unbelievable prospect to some.
But back to the point. How does this trade benifit the Raptors. They get Green… a big man who doesn’t play inside… to go along with Andrea and Hedo… two big men that don’t play inside. Yep really sounds like a deal the Raps would go for. Lets aim for no rebounding and all 3pt shooting. A couple first rounders taht would, in all likelyhood be low in the draft? And a couple bigs who don’t barely see minutes behind the great Nenad Kristic? Seriously… the Raps are a team to, trying to win.
People need to ask themselves “would I trade Bosh for that?” before these things are discussed. If your answer is no… its likely the same for Raps management.
“nobody considers if its in the Raptors best interest”
Raptor fans seem to have a tough time understanding this, but they’re not going to get equal value for Bosh right now. Whether or not it’s accurate, the perception is that Bosh is on his way out of Toronto, so why would a team give up the farm for a guy at the trade deadline that they can sign outright in the summer?
“Even if Bosh does leave Toronto.. its going to be in a sign and trade”
How can you possibly say this with such certainty? The only sign and trade deal that I’ve heard make any sense for Bosh and the Raptors would be the Bynum-for-Bosh swap with the Lakers. Otherwise, by agreeing to a sign-and-trade, Bosh would effectively be decimating his future team. Why would he do this when there are so many attractive options out there? It doesn’t make any sense.
The bottom line is that there is a real possibility that Bosh walks this summer and Toronto gets no compensation. Do the Raptors want to risk that or get what they can for him before the trade deadline? I’d say a promising young forward (Green) along with two first round picks is a pretty good deal considering the downside.
Swirsky, you *do* understand that Bosh is out on his own accord come the offseason, right?
That’s why the Raptors may not get “equal” value for him. They need to deal him while they still have the rights and that means they’ll take anyone with good value.
I think the most likely scenario is Andrew Bynum.
Why is a sign-and-trade a certainty? 30 mil dollars thats why. If Bosh walks… thats what he leaves on the table. You honestly think he is going to walk away from that… no other team can give him the $ or length the Raps can offer. All he has to do is walk up to BC say I wont be staying, work a deal with X team, its where I want to play. He gets to play in the City of his choosing, gets his contract, Raps get something in return (albiet less than they can now)
Bosh isnt walking. He may leave… but it will be in a sign and trade deal. And do you think there is a team that is considering Bosh right now (or any team for that reason) that wouldnt make a deal in the offseason. It ensures them the contract…
-but they’re not going to get equal value for Bosh right now-
you never do when you trade an all-star… but the trade best fit the team. As I stated above… another big that plays outside wont fit on this team. Everything besides Green is garbage. Thats why this deal wont happen.
… and thats why I said nobody considers the Raps interest. Not because Bosh does or doesnt want out… because they name players who they think would be a fair trade with the Raps with no consideration of the players already on the team, what the Raps need, or the position they are giving up.
Swirsky — I appreciate you coming back and not just doing a hit & run. To your point, yes, the Raptors can offer Bosh an extra year and a little more money per season, but the 30 million number is blown out of proportion — Bosh will be 26 when he signs his next deal which means he’ll be 31 at the end of the contract if he signs a five year deal. In short, he’ll still be in his prime for his next contract and will still be able to sign for big bucks. You’re acting like that year of salary doesn’t exist. It’s really 30 million minus 21-22 million or so.
On the flip side, you’re refusing to acknowledge the effect that a sign and trade will have on his future team. If Team A has the cap space to sign him and hot young prospect Player X that the Raptors want in a trade, why would Bosh decimate his future team for the extra money? It’s the very same reason why Kobe didn’t want to go to the Bulls back when he demanded a trade. Whatever deal they could work out with the Lakers would have left the Bulls with a lot less talent. The same principle applies here, but in this case, Bosh won’t be under contract and will be free to sign with whomever he chooses.
In order for Bosh to agree to a sign and trade, two conditions have to be met: 1) it has to be a team that he really, really wants to play for, and 2) they have to have enough talent that a sign and trade won’t affect the team’s contender status. Right now, there is only one scenario that fits this bill and it’s the Bynum-for-Bosh rumor that’s out there. If I’m a Raptor fan, I wouldn’t want to put all of my eggs in one basket. Bosh could just as easily walk, signing with Miami, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma City or elsewhere and the Raptors would get zero compensation. This is a real possibility so saying that a sign-and-trade is a certainty is very wishful thinking.
John,
That extra year is significant. There is always the chance of a serious injury which may mean no contract after the next one. Its the reason why players nearly always take a longer term contract over a short one. (and why they always demand long contracts while in negotiations). Its guaranteed money… nothing else is.
Secondly, you are assuming that Bosh would willing take less money to improve his future team. Did Kobe do that… did Shaq…will Lebron… will Wade…. Its a nice idea to think players would or will do that, but it almost never happens. But lets assume Bosh is that type of guy… why wouldnt he then do that for a team that shown him nothing but love, respect and loyalty for 7 years.
You seem to have this high lofty notions about Bosh. You need to read some of his quotes to the Toronto media. He expects a max contract.
A sign and trade is not wishful thinking. I will state it right now, and you can remember this and call me out on it in the offseason if you like. Bosh WILL NOT walk away from his contract. He may get dealt before the deadline. He may get moved in a sign and trade or he may simply resign. But he will not walk. Few (if any) players going into their max contract ever has. Bosh wont either.
P.S. Kobe didnt want the trade to Chicago because Chicago sucked. Not for any other reason.